i like the wall hooks for jackets, purse, etc. i'd put a small credenza, one with space underneath for shoes or a shoe rack, against the wall with the stair railing. i can't tell from the photo what is on that wall or how big it is, but that would get the storage out of the doorway.

i think i'd also add an oval or rectangular mirror over the light switch and a wide rug in front of the door that stretches the appearance of the entry way into the room more.

Initially, I was going to suggest moving the hinges of the front door so it swings out the other way but on closer examination, the stairs are too close - so disregard that!

Why not move the hooks to the wall with that table/cart and underneath the hooks could be a funky umbrella stand/shoe tray? And then you could put a long bench along that staircase wall - either something open underneath to store shoes, or covered, like a storage bench. You could also place a small table or ledge for keys,mail etc.

As for the cart - it is cute but doesn not scream modern/urban etc as you described - for a more eclectic vibe, why not paint it a bright color and move it elsewhere?

Also, have you ever given thought to painting your door? It would look so cool in a red or gunmetal gray...

What about a Lack (the tall narrow version) shelf where the lamp is now. That shouldn't block the stairs. If have room the other side of the window, they could be pair, and you could put something interesting in the top shelf and light it, then use the lower shelves for practical stuff. Maybe in white?

I would use the ikea hemnes shoe cabinet for behind the door.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60156121

I too would opt for a storage bench that opens from the top so you have some place to deal with those shoes. I don't think there is any way to make big clunky shoes look tidy and cool, so I say the first step is stash those guys away. That alone will improve the look of the space greatly.

Great that you made the picture BIGGER AT!!!

How about a larger mirror on the wall - perhaps something big enough so that you can see your entire outfit from the waist up. If possible - 2 wall sconces on either side of the mirror. If not possible - clip on lamps on either side of the mirror - Ikea has good ones, I also saw some at pottery barn the other day and overstock.com always a good source. Lighting beside the mirror means if you need - you can adjust makeup or whatever.

Just under the mirror, a very thin shelf - just enough to leave tickets or mail - not big enough to accumulate junk - and incorporate the hooks for the keys somewhere under that shelf.

Finally for the shoes - now that the mirror is hung - perhaps a bench with open spaces that can house shoes - that way you have somewhere to sit down to put your shoes on or take them off.

bench like this perhaps ? http://www.potterybarn.com/products/samantha-entryway-collection/?pkey=cstorage-benches

Cordelia, I'm struggling with the exact same challenge in my own home. Before I saw this was an AT Boston post, I thought you might be living in the exact type of duplex that I'm in, in Arlington, VA!

I second the suggestions for painting your door a fun color to emphasize the entry, and using a long rug that would extend to where the cart is now. FLOR tiles would be great for that.

Our problem with the shared entry/stair landing is that there just isn't enough room to welcome guests when you have a piece of furniture where your cart is. Its hard to be a gracious host when you're shuffling around at the bottom of the stairs pinned into the corner!

I suggest adding at least one more hook on the wall behind the stair (staggered below the other two about 4 inches), and getting rid of the cart all together.

Instead, use a series of shallow shelves to give you a place to put all of your stuff, but free up floor space. Room and Board has some natural steel shelves that come in various lengths ... maybe a longer one at counter height level below the switches, and a shorter one above next to the switches. Then mount a mirror above the shelves, and you've covered all the uses the cart was doing for you but with room to spare.

I'm a big fan of a shoe basket, something pretty or unique to hide all your shoes in. It could sit on the extended mat.

Good luck ... and let us know what you decide!

shelf link:
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=19602&catalog=room&category=rm_accessories&subcategory=acc_frame_ledge

First of all, I'd suggest getting rid of the lamp and the rolling cart. Then hang the mirror on the wall beside the light switch, with the hooks hanging underneath that. Then, put a storage bench next to the stair wall. That way you would have a place to sit down and take shoes on and off, and hide all the shoes inside, and not so much stuff blocking the front door.

We just had the same problem in my entryway! Solved it with a coffee table that I cut in half and re-affixed the legs to (complete with some baskets on the lower shelves for storage of gloves/winter gear and a basket on top for mail and keys). The table is only about 12 inches wide now.

We then did wall hooks for coats and purses and a shelf above them for some little "Welcome" decoration. Oh, and we put a rug underneath for catching our watery winter boots.

You have sort of the same problem that I had - if you use any type of cabinetry or large furniture, you're completely cutting off the flow of the space.

I would put in a smaller table. Smaller in terms of height and width (I think what you have there now is too big for the space) and then put a mirror on the wall over that table. If the mirror you choose is kind of plain then place that mirror in a colorfully painted decorative "frame". Something like this:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/artwork/enhancing-gallerystyle-art-walls-138191

Remove that key hook thing and use a colorful bowl for your keys.

In a perfect world of easily sourced vintage items, I'd suggest a set of metal lockers (ala high school) for the shoes and jackets, but just the lower set, not double high. That would leave you room on top for baskets/bins/boxes for miscellany and mail. Since you have an outlet close, a charging pad by the door is always nice. It would still be a good idea to have a few wall hooks for those items you use every day. Hang the mirror on the wall, perhaps get an interesting key hook/mail thingee like this one from Umbra: http://www.organize.com/lettro-mail-organizer-aluminum-umbra-reg.html

A small chair or stool would be nice, if you can squeeze it in.

How about having a bench with compartments/cubbies to store shoes, etc (using baskets or without baskets. And then on the wall above that hanging a shelf with hooks and additional cubbies to store extra things? I've posted a link of a product on Pottery Barn that is exactly what I'm talking about and the items come in three colors (black, cream, and mahogany stain)
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/samantha-entryway-collection/?pkey=call-storage

You could try this for shoes:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70178170
Since it's only 6-3/4 in deep, you might be able to fit it behind the door without it obstructing the stairs.

I can't tell what furniture you've got in your room, but can you put the cart thing (or whatever you might replace it with) against the outside of the stairway? It looks like there's plenty of room right there to get around it, but having it where it is now makes the entrance look very tight.

Buy the small Expedit shelf (the new, cube-ish one) and put it where the table is now, but perpendicular and kind of jutting out into wahtever room it is that's next to the stairwell. It'll create a small L-shaped entryway. You can buy drawers and doors for the shelf to hold mail and mitts and such. Tuck an umbrella stand into the corner where the Expedit meets the wall. Put a mat in front of the Expedit for shoes. I wish I could draw a picture of this...

I think the wall hooks behind the door work. I'd just put a few more of them there.

I would get rid of that cart--its really cluttered, and just not pretty. It also makes the whole area look smaller, because you're essentially blocking the entry way with all that clutter. Take off the wall hooks near the light switches too, and just leave the lamp for a clean look to that corner.

A storage bench with open cubes underneath would work really well next to the stairs--room for that little box, shoes, and an unawkward place to sit to put on said shoes.

If you must have a place for your keys--take that picture, and screw in some hooks to the bottom for your keys. That can also go on the wall with the lamp, and won't be as unsightly as the hooks you have up now.

What about doing a small chest of drawers-
Add small table lamp on top
Get a small round mirror or art
Nice tray on top for keys and things
Take those hooks off.
Get a better looking hook system for behind the door.
Get rid of that floor lamp.

That is a tiny space for all of those things. Best if you got something with drawers or doors to hind everything.

A set up like this but a style that you like-
http://www.inthefunlane.com/2011/01/music-skirt.html

Are you using the space under your stairs? It might be a nice remodel to add some low shelving under there that could accomodate your shoes and a few small bins (gloves and hats, etc). Preferably with sliding doors so you can hide them when needed.

That would also allow you to go minimal at the doorway - a wall-mounted shelf and mirror would do the trick and take up far less space. To keep things neat and clean, pick one that has hidden storage. You could then put small hooks underneath for purses, umbrellas, etc.

Something like this:

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=310&f=6539

I'd also get rid of the lamp - go with a wall-mounted sconce over (or on either side of) the mirror.

Bench or chest next to the stairs... This question seems very self-explanatory to me... and get rid of that lamp... there is no earthly reason for a standing lamp to be between a door and a window.

Same problem that we had in our old place- it looked so similar I wondered for a moment if you'd moved into our apartment complex! We never did find a good solution (especially as this entry went into the courtyard, but the kitchen entry went into the parking lot).

I'd go with a tall shelving unit, and make sure those light switches are accessible. It was priceless to be able to turn lights on when we got home in the dark, BEFORE we tripped over the stairs.

Esp. if you are decorating in a modern-industrial vibe, a tall-and-wide-as-possible (it looks like there's plenty of space between the window and switches if you get rid of the lamp) closed storage, locker type, would fit in easily. There's tons of kinds and configurations. http://www.lockers.com/

I think the amount of STUFF that could potentially accumulate in this area is way more than open shelves and hooks can handle.

- Remove the cart, floor lamp, and hooks with jackets.

- I think you should utilize the staircase wall that faces into the room. Add a dresser, or even a taller wardrobe with hangers IF there is room along that wall.

- Even better - I like the ides of adding a storage closet under the staircase if it is possibility and you are willing to spend time/money converting the space.

- The wall between the door and window should be open. if you want, add a nice size mirror - something flat. The light switches can be moved towards the right so you can get a bigger mirror. Remove the hooks. Keep this area open and uncluttered.

When I look at your space, I envision a tall, very shallow mod-looking hutch with closing doors where the IKEA cart is now (I have the same cart in my kitchen :) ). You could paint it white, and on the shelves inside, place labeled baskets for the items you mention. Then, next to the stairs, place a bench and rug. One with a storage area inside for shoes would be great. Good luck!

I think an armoire would be the best solution. It seems like you could fit a slim one between the light switches and window. You can hang the coats, put the shoes inside, put hooks on the doors for key storage and something to hold mail on the door, and put bins inside for gloves/scarves/umbrellas, etc. If there aren't shelves at the bottom, add some shelves to put the shoes and bins on.

Check out antique and thrift stores or for new ones, Ikea has lots of options.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50158757

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S89876653 (comes in white & other colors)

Another similar option, is a dresser that on one side has a door with a section to hang clothes and the other side has drawers for your various items. It's probably about 4' tall so you can put mail and something for keys on top. I don't know if there's a name for this, but I had one as a kid that belonged to my mom, so check antique stores. Similar to this--- http://vandm.com/Fully-Restored-and-Refinished-Antique-Child_s-Armoire-With-Wooden-Wheels/3_239_60=557_product=222157.aspx

any of the suggestions here are better than that cart

Since you take your shoes off at the door, you really should have a seat to put them on when you go out. I think one of those vintage coathanger/chair/umbrella stand pieces might fill the bill.

Maybe a long, low bench could fit under the stairs, and then a very narrow table could go where the cart currently is. I think the trick with the space to the left of the door is it can very easily begin to feel cramped if the depth of the item there is too deep. Perhaps a larger mirror too?

i agree with the above comment. perhaps a bigger storage bench/shoe cart could go against that stair case wall, and you could do a very small + chic console table where your rolling cart is now. do you have something against the stair case wall now, where the photo cuts off?

Hi there! I hope this helps:

1. I think it would be a good idea to get rid of the cart and lamp and install floating wall shelves on that wall. This way you can totally customize and play around with height, length, distance and make it suit your storage needs. Install shelves all the way up to the ceiling to maximize your space.

2. Use baskets for small items and shoes and install only the minimum number of hooks to reduce the appearance of clutter. I ditto everyone who suggested a bench at the side of the stairs if you need additional storage.

3. Remove the hooks from behind the door and install a slim floor to ceiling mirror.

Here are a couple of inspiration links:

http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=8613&index=12&searchQuery=wall%20shelves&searchType=photos

http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=5889&index=3&currentPage=1&searchQuery=floating%20shelves&searchType=photos

I would consider an armoire. It would literally be a closet next to the door, with clothes hooks, lower shelves for shoes and back packs, and upper shelves for keys, purses, and a charging station. It doesn't have to be the traditional 24" deep, but a much narrower 12"-14". It would be a clean look, with no clutter around the door.

You could also get a standing coat rack and put it next to the stairs.

Perhaps consider a simple board and batten treatment with hooks to add architectural interest, then a small upholstered bench below and a wall gallery above.

I did this very thing in loft, looks fab!

http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/01/style-storage-a-bare-wall-transformed/

Thank you so much for all of the great suggestions! They all are way better than what we have going on right now... obviously ;) It's funny how many others have had the same issue! I love the idea of painting the door and having a longer rug -the doormat looked silly enough that I got rid of it but it didn't occur to me to just go larger.

Unfortunately I can't really put anything against the wall under the stairs because it's the best place for our sofas (this is such a small living room).

I'm going to look around for lockers (maybe an old filing cabinet?) or a cool vintage bench like many of you suggested. I thought about a bench a lot, but most of what I've found online is a little too traditional or country. Maybe I just need to give the antique stores/flea markets a few more months before I give up on them.

I'm also tempted my doing a project like this: http://hindsvik.com/?p=3167 but I need to measure it out to see how shallow it could be.

Thank you for all the great ideas! I'll update when the project is done :)

LGarcVA- I know! Welcoming guests is so awkward; my husband and I end up tripping over each other trying to back-up to make room after opening the door! It's especially bad in the winter with a few guests trying to remove their coats at once. I really like the idea of a shoe basket; that hadn't occurred to me, I've always just thought bench or shelf. That might work really well, thanks so much!

I have a similar problem too, and I'd agree with posters who suggest getting a different table - something airier and lighter, with a lamp on top instead of the standing lamp because it looks cluttered.
I'd also consider painting the door a different color. Myself, I like vibrant colors - but whatever your taste really - just to give the entry more energy and contrast. A color that will set the stage for going out into the world.

check out what we did. The configuration is different but maybe it can help. You definitely need a better to hang things that are bigger items like coats. Sometimes it has to be more useful as well as pretty

http://modgirlseasylivingideas.blogspot.com/2011/02/entryway-work-in-progress.html

If you don't want an addition, but could stomach a slight remodel, can you turn the bottom 4-5 stairs 90 degrees CCW to create a little alcove? Maybe that makes the rest of the room a little awkward but just a thought.

If you thinking the filing cabinet/locker type of thing, google images "ikea helmer" and you'll get a ton of ideas. Good Luck

I have a 'wrap-around' space near a entry door too, and used some flor tiles to create one, large door mat that could go around the corner. It really works to unify the space as well as makes it easier to navigate when entering with dirty shoes - no jumping from one area rug to the next. I could see this working for you too.

Awkward spot.

I think I'd eliminate the cart, and store shoes in a nearby closet or the bedroom (maybe keep slippers by the door when not home, and put them on when you arrive, then haul the shoes to a more hidden location?) Use bigger coat hooks and hang your handbag and umbrella on them, maybe layering your coat on top.

Get a SMALL wall-mount shelf, ideally with a drawer for the wallet and keys (maybe a foot wide and 8 inches deep, or thereabouts...)

Simplify, eliminate, and (with the shoes) accept the fact that keeping everything conveninetly by the door is not pragmatic in this layout.

Good luck!

I'm digging thorndale's idea - a narrow and tall storage system that is half as wide as the current table, closer to the window than the door.

I second (or third) a shoe shelf by the stair rails. The cart/table looks okay, but one with more drawers and less open space might look better. A larger mirror hung above it would be perfect. The coat hooks are good but I'd be tempted to do another row under it for more coats and scarves.